How to Grow Head Lettuce
Get Your Exact Head Lettuce Planting Dates
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Your Head Lettuce dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Regular
Germination
1-7 days
Ready to Grow Head Lettuce?
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Companion Planting Guide for Head Lettuce
Discover which plants grow well with Head Lettuce and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →
Common Head Lettuce Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Buttercrunch
Award-winning butterhead with tender, creamy inner leaves and exceptional flavor.
Iceberg
Classic crunchy head lettuce with pale, mild leaves; very heat-sensitive, best in cool weather.
Romaine (Paris Island Cos)
Upright romaine with crisp ribs and dark green outer leaves; the Caesar salad standard.
Little Gem
Miniature romaine-butterhead cross; perfect for small gardens with dense, sweet heads.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Let heads bolt — cut an X in the head to encourage the seed stalk to push through.
Processing
Harvest seed heads as they brown, dry 1 week, thresh gently to release seeds.
Seed Viability
Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Lettuce is self-pollinating but can occasionally cross — bag individual plants for perfectly pure seed.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Head Lettuce Planting Calendar by Zone
Head Lettuce Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Head Lettuce? +
Sow Head Lettuce seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Head Lettuce take to grow? +
Head Lettuce typically matures in about 70 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Head Lettuce indoors or direct sow? +
Head Lettuce does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Head Lettuce need? +
Head Lettuce requires full sun to thrive.
How much water does Head Lettuce need? +
Head Lettuce has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Head Lettuce? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Head Lettuce is rated easy. Let heads bolt — cut an X in the head to encourage the seed stalk to push through. Harvest seed heads as they brown, dry 1 week, thresh gently to release seeds.
How long do Head Lettuce seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Head Lettuce seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Head Lettuce seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Head Lettuce is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Head Lettuce
Head Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. It can be directly sown outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.
Expect your Head Lettuce to be ready for harvest in approximately 70 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.